Audio and video gear maker Harmon/Kardon has introduced three new AV receivers, each featuring HDMI 1.3a, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, and an enhanced Bridge II iPod docking system that can play, control, and charge iPods (except for the shuffle). The new receivers also sport a “groundbreaking” onscreen menu system designed to make it easy for users to setup and use the systems.
First up, the AVR 354 AV receiver offers 7.1 audio with seven 75 Watt channels, along with an HDMI 1.3a repeater, Faroudja DCDi Cinema processing, 1080p upscaling, EZSet/EQ equalization, and multi-room capability. The AVR 254 offers a similar feature set with 50 Watts per channel; it also touts three HDMI inputs—the 354 might as well, but Harmon/Kardon isn’t entirely clear on that point. The 354 and 254 sport a full-color onscreen menu system and Deep Color compatibility. The company hasn’t released any specs on the AVR 154, save a suggested price ($399) and anticipated availability date (“late spring”), and a note that it doesn’t have the full color menus.
The AVE 254 and 254 carry suggested price tags of $899 and $649, respectively.
